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McFarland Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 404 Google reviews · Running trail in Ames, Iowa · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- 5.5 mi
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from McFarland Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about McFarland Park
“It’s very well maintained, and the staff here are all wonderful.”
“We are here from Montana enjoying some of your beautiful Outdoors.”
“It’s so peaceful and serene; this also makes it perfect for a picnic!”
On of our favorite places. paved path all the way around the lake. I've seen pepole with walkers,wheelchairs and lots of strollers. Plenty of picnic tables , a nature playground and a wonderful conservation center.
Come to McFarland if you want to read a book by the pond, run or walk the trails, climb a tree, tell stories around a fire, or see some goats. A place I wish I went to more often.
Beautiful place. Big bass to be caught if you're patient and know where they hang out. Otherwise its great to just take a walk. The sunset over the prairie is beyond peaceful.
Fun park for hiking, fishing, biking, etc. A wonderful place when the butterflies are migrating through.
Trail conditions & character
“It’s so peaceful and serene; this also makes it perfect for a picnic!”
“We are here from Montana enjoying some of your beautiful Outdoors.”
“There are pavement trails around a small body of water that are great for strollers or leisure walks.”
“Easy, scenic paved hiking trail and natural playground.”
“We spent the entire morning here and enjoyed a picnic lunch in the shade.”
Plan your run at McFarland Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- Distance5.5 mi as reported — check whether that is one way or a round trip before you commit. Long enough for a real long run.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadrestrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitemycountyparks.com
- Phone+1 515-232-2516
Hours
| Monday | 5 am–10:30 pm |
| Tuesday | 5 am–10:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 5 am–10:30 pm |
| Thursday | 5 am–10:30 pm |
| Friday | 5 am–10:30 pm |
| Saturday | 5 am–10:30 pm |
| Sunday | 5 am–10:30 pm |
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